The foods you eat and the lifestyle you lead effects your HEALTH, which directly effects your HEART and how you physically manage to live each day. This in turn effects your HAPPINESS and how you mentally cope from day to day. One doesn’t function without the other and all three have to be in tune with each other to help you become the strongest, fittest you. To be the best parent we need to look after ourselves, but it can be hard to find the time and energy to eat well and exercise regularly. 

So, let us introduce you to Lauren Hannaford. As parents, we’ve probably all seen Lauren before, you just might not realise it. A former member of The Wiggles, she’s graced our TV screens as Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog, and is also lucky to call the Red Wiggle Simon Pryce her husband! You might remember the two of them on Ninja Warrior Australia last year! Once an elite gymnast, Lauren moved into coaching and now runs her own online fitness program, FHIT by Lauren Hannaford, to help others become the strongest, fittest and healthiest version of themselves, full of health, happiness and heart. 

Lauren, what does your average day look like?

Each working day is pretty different for me, but I always wake up and do my best to beam out of bed for my morning workout. Of course, some days are harder than others, but I know how good I’ll feel once I start moving and get those endorphins going so I always try to workout first thing. My favourite days are when my husband Simon and I can work out together. After I work out, it’s breakfast time, emails and a bit of a social media scroll through. If I haven’t got any interviews or shoots to do then it’s content, content, content creation time. I always try to create as much content for my FHIT members as I can so we are constantly growing and learning together. Simon is on tour most of the year, so I try to go on the road with him as much as possible. 

Tell us about why health and fitness is so important to you.

I think it’s fair to say that when we are feeling fit and healthy we tend to have clearer thoughts, and overall a more positive outlook to the day. Healthier choices make healthier decisions whether that be for family, socially or professionally. So for me fitness isn’t just about the physical benefits it gives but more importantly how good it is for my mental health and mental clarity it gives me.

What inspired you to create FHIT? 

There were a couple of reasons. The first being from the fact that I was doing so much travel with work and I didn’t have a regular routine or access to gyms. This inspired me to create workouts for myself that I could do anywhere, anytime. I then posted some of these workouts on my Instagram (@LozHannaford) and had so many people writing and wanting to do the same workouts. Secondly as my travelling slowed down a bit Simon’s travel continued as he is away 9-10 months of the year. I thought to myself, I want to be able to use technology and create something that allows me to connect with people all over the world and help them become the strongest, fittest and most confident version of themselves. The use of technology also meant that my workplace can be anywhere which gives me freedom and allows me to travel and see my wonderful husband. Hence the birth of FHIT!! 

What’s your best advice on finding time to exercise?

Schedule it in so you stay committed to it but most importantly don’t over think it. We seem to have this autopilot thought that unless you go and slog it out at the gym for an hour then you’re not really going to achieve anything. Break it down and take the pressure off. Any activity is good activity. You can do it anywhere, anytime and you are only 15 minutes away from a good mood and improved physical fitness.

What makes your program so suited to mums compared to other online programs? 

FHIT is so suited to mum’s because it is convenient to do anywhere, anytime and without any equipment. Whether it be when their child is sleeping or playing in the lounge room – each workout in the first three programs are only 15 minutes which is perfect for time poor mums. I so often have members writing saying that they love how invigorated they feel from a workout that is only 15 minutes long AND better still how many mums write to say that their children try to join in and do it with them. It is such a nice way to bond and show your children the positive effects of exercise.

What’s the one health or wellness treatment you can’t live without?

Massage!! This is one that has taken me a long time to understand as I always saw massages as just being a luxury treatment which I never allowed myself the time for. I have come to learn over time that just because it feels nice it doesn’t mean it’s about luxury. It feels good because it is good for your body and your body needs it to repair and recover. Just as we need to nourish our body with good food and water, we also need to look after our muscles.

What does your day on a plate look like?

I eat very simply and clean, but I also don’t deprive myself of the finer things that our taste buds love. When I wake up in the morning (usually about 6am) I have two big glasses of water. Then I have a double espresso as I get ready for the day.

I always prefer working out on an empty stomach so after I train, depending on time I will either have a banana or shake on the go or cook some eggs with avocado if I have a bit more time. When lunch rolls around I will either have to graze on the go or I love a good pumpkin salad with lots of greens.

I will graze on nuts and fruit throughout the day if my body is needing a little boost and for dinner I will have protein and vegetables. I tend to go for chicken or fish with lots of carrots, broccoli and zucchini with half a cup of brown rice if I’m extra hungry.

On occasion I love a glass of red and some dark chocolate and I am also drinking looooadddss of water throughout the day.

And finally what’s your top 5 health and wellness tips:

Drink lots of water – 3 litres a day.

Get plenty of sleep – 8 hours a night.

Exercise consistently. You don’t need to flog yourself. just stay consistent.

Cut as much sugar out of your diet as possible. You will be amazed how much sugar is in the regular foods we eat.

Understand your WHY! Knowing the core reason of why you are wanting to make healthier choices in your life is the key to reaching your goals.

Find out more about FHIT at www.laurenhannaford.com.au